I was able to raise a number of issues in the Legislature this week – our last week of sitting before Easter.

As the official opposition critic for child care I have been busy with our new campaign, Raising BC. We’re hearing the problems faced by parents, providers and businesses across BC with the current child care crisis, and we’re also working on the solutions, mapping out a plan for the province.

I was able to lead a debate on child care, when my motion “Be it resolved that this House opposes the commercialization of child care in British Columbia” was debated. During the debate I was able to raise concerns about so called big box, large scale child care, and why it would not be a solution for the thousands of families in BC who are in desperate need for care.

I was on the road discussing child care in the communities at the end of the week, and visited child care centres in Duncan and Nanaimo as well as discussing issues with providers in Campbell River.

Also in my critic area, I addressed women’s rights. Last week saw International Women’s Day and I was able to make a statement in the house, conscious that it is not a celebration for all women.

The government has brought in a raft of legislation including changes to elections in local government, a motion on the electoral boundaries, details for the debate on the single transferable vote, and providing more authority to the SPCA to prevent cruelty to animals. It also brought in an omnibus bill on forestry which I was able to address after our forestry critic had spoken.

It is always a pleasure to recognise people from the constituency in the Legislature. This week I was able to acknowledge the hard work of BC’s top hockey volunteer Doug Bondue.

I was also able to introduce two guests who had come for meetings in Victoria: Campbell River fire fighter Reid Wharton and the president of the Campbell River and Courtenay Labour Council, Leslie McNabb.

I’m back in the constituency during spring break and am happy to meet with people. You can always reach me at 250 287 5100 or 1 866 387 5100 or by email at claire.trevena.mlaleg.bc.ca.